Even though we spend all winter dreaming of warmer weather, we still do everything we can do to escape it once summer arrives. Staying cool in the summer shouldn’t go hand-in-hand with power bill dread. There are many easy things that we can all do to make summer a little more enjoyable, without wasting energy or money. Here are a few ways to keep costs down and stay cool this summer.
Check Your AC
During the hotter months, your air conditioner may constantly be running, so it’s important to prepare your AC unit well for the season ahead and keep an eye on it throughout. Make sure the ducts are clear of dust and anything else that might be stuck in them, as any buildup can cause an unbelievable drag on their effectiveness. A clogged system will keep air from passing through, which puts a major strain on your air conditioner, so while you’re at it, make sure that you’re keeping an eye on the filters and replacing them if necessary. Doing these simple things will ensure that your unit is running efficiently, which will end up saving you energy and keeping your home cooler during the season it matters most.
Perfect Your Thermostat
Make sure that you’re getting the most out of your programmable thermostat. Don’t let yourself fall into the trap of a constant yo-yo battle. Instead, find a middle-ground temperature that works for you and do your best to adhere to that. Bonus points if you can tolerate a slightly higher temperature. Another terrific possibility is to program it to an automatic timer, so you can keep the temperature where you like it during various parts of the day and take the guesswork out of your home’s temperature control.
Use Daylighting to Your Advantage
If you find yourself colder as you wake up in the morning, wait before you try chaining the thermostat. Use the sun’s natural light to heat up your house in the morning. As the day goes on, turn to blackout shades or blinds in order to keep the heat of the light out. This will help regulate the temperature of your home naturally, with minimal effort and cost.
Be Conscious of Your Lightbulbs
Making the switch to LED lightbulbs can save a surprising amount of energy. And not only will you be saving money because of the decrease in energy usage, but you’ll also find yourself buying fewer lightbulbs in the long run because they tend to last longer than their less eco-friendly counterparts.
Ventilation Lockdown
Inspect your doors, windows, and any other openings where your air-conditioned air could be escaping and make sure that they are adequately sealed. While you may notice an annoying stream of frigid air coming into your home during the colder months, you may not realize how much cold air you’re losing from your home in the summer. Be sure to properly insulate and keep your air-conditioned air where it belongs.
Rethink Your Laundry
Consider going an old school route and hanging your clothes out to dry. Line drying is an easy yet effective way to save energy while giving your clothes an authentic, fresh feel. It can even help your clothes last longer, too. An added bonus? You’ll be cutting back on the use of products like dryer sheets or fabric softener.
Cool Outdoors
During the sizzling summer months, the last place you want to find yourself is cooking over a hot stove. Save energy for your home and yourself by taking the cooking outside. Whether you decide to use a grill or simply roast some hot dogs by a fire, you’re sure to wind up with a perfect summer-favorite meal while keeping the heat where it belongs: outside
Author Bio: Morgen Henderson is a Freelance Writer who focuses on home-related topics.
